The idea was voiced by French Ambassador in Russia Jean-Maurice Ripert

France advocates the abolition of short-stay visas in Schengen countries for Russians. This was stated by the Ambassador of France in Russia Jean-Maurice Ripert, speaking at the opening of the visa center in Moscow, Interfax.

"It is the wish of France, but still can not reach agreement with the other countries of the Schengen agreement. It is our goal," said Ripert.

"We believe that there is no migration risk in Russia," added the ambassador. He said France also supports exchange programs for students of Russian and French high schools. Recalling, Ripert previously stated that, despite the Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine, Russia is a partner of France.

Earlier it was reported that the European Union and the US is preparing to extend sanctions against Russia by 2016 against a background of reducing prospects of Minsk deal in Ukraine.